MANILA – Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, the construction firm owner linked to alleged ghost flood control projects, told lawmakers Tuesday he never had direct transactions with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez or former appropriations committee chair Rep. Zaldy Co.

“Baka po nagagamit lang po ng mga pulitiko ang kaniyang pangalan (His name may have been used by politicians),” Discaya said under oath during the House infrastructure committee hearing.

Discaya clarified that references to Romualdez and Co in his earlier Senate testimony were not based on personal dealings. “Gusto ko lang pong linawin… wala po akong direktang transaction. Hindi po ako nagkaroon ng anumang klaseng transaction sa kanila,” he said.

He added that while the Speaker’s and Co’s names had been mentioned, he had no proof that any funds went to them. He said he was compelled to issue the clarification to avoid misimpressions.

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima asked Discaya to confirm if his clarification pertained to his sworn Senate testimony. Discaya affirmed this, stressing that while he stands by his written statement, it does not constitute evidence of direct transactions. (PNA)